By Jennifer Whitlock
Field Editor
The 94th National FFA Convention and Expo is in full swing in Indianapolis, with four days of general sessions, competitive events, camaraderie and fun.
For one young Texan, it’s been the experience of a lifetime as he vies to become one of six student members to represent the National FFA Organization as a national FFA officer.
“It’s been an intense weeklong process, but they’ve spaced things out, so it doesn’t overwhelm you all at once,” Texas A&M University sophomore and 2020-2021 Texas FFA Vice President Ryan Williamson said. “I arrived here last Friday and have been going through the candidate selection process, which consists of interviews and speeches. It’s been busy but very fun.”
Williamson joined FFA as a freshman at El Campo High School. Through FFA, he found purpose and cultivated connections and relationships. .
“My life was literally changed by the opportunities FFA offers. I didn’t understand my purpose in life, and I found it here,” he said. “What keeps me coming back and involved after six years is seeing that change happen for thousands of other kids who join FFA each year. It’s transformative in such a positive way, and it’s neat to see.”
Throughout high school, he continued to become more involved in different events and competitions offered through the organization. What he most loves about FFA is the opportunity to be of service to others, a mindset he said he gets from his parents, a librarian and law enforcement officer who are dedicated lifelong public servants.
Although his parents are not directly involved in production agriculture, growing up in a rural area with major row crop farming routinely exposed him to agriculture. Williamson said people don’t always understand how important rice farming is to the area until he points out his high school mascot was a rice bird.
He is now studying business at Texas A&M with hopes to be involved in the non-profit sector helping to bridge the gap between consumer understandings and agricultural sustainability practices.
The journey to national officer hopeful began in May, when Williamson decided he would like to run. After being carefully screened by Texas FFA leaders, he was chosen to be Texas’ national representative.
He then partook in an extensive interview process with a national nominating committee. Finally, in August he was selected as one of 37 FFA members from across the U.S. to compete for national office.
During the national convention, the candidates are narrowed down after the first three interview rounds to the top half of every region and top half of the candidate group, giving each candidate two chances to make it into the final group.
This year, 21 national officer candidates advanced to the next stage of the selection process.
Every region of the U.S. will be represented on the national officer board by at least one person, Williamson explained.
“The first day, you start with personal interviews, then the next day you do one-on-one sessions and give a speech. After that, half the candidates advance to the final round. Then, we had conversations with industry stakeholders, and there was a facilitation round where we simulated workshops we would have with students as an actual officer,” he said.
The six finalists will be announced Oct. 30 at the final general session.
“My experience with FFA has been so positive, I just want to keep the momentum going. I helped other students understand their value and how to build personal relationships, but I grew, too. The organization helped me understand who I am as a leader and a person,” Williamson said. “FFA helps kids understand the worth they bring to the table, that who they are is exactly who FFA and the world needs right now. That’s really valuable.”